These Best Things For Bake Sale are my go-to when I need something that's easy to make, travels well, and disappears in minutes. They're a cross between a cookie and a brownie, with a chewy center and a crackly top.
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I first made them for my daughter's school bake sale, and they were gone before the first bell. Now they're a staple in our house, and I hope they become one in yours too.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these treats are forgiving and fun. Let's get baking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
Melted butter gives a rich flavor and chewy texture. You can use salted butter but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
2 cups (400g) packed light brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel note. Dark brown sugar works too, for a stronger molasses flavor.
2 large eggs
Room temperature eggs blend better. If in a hurry, place them in warm water for 5 minutes.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pure vanilla is best, but imitation works. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a speckled look.
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
Regular flour gives the right structure. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
1 teaspoon baking powder
Leavening for a slight lift. Check the expiration date for best results.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Balances sweetness. If using salted butter, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon.
1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate chips are classic. Try dark or white chips, or a mix of both.
1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Nuts add crunch. Toast them first for extra flavor. Omit for nut-free.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overmix the batter
Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the treats tough.
Use a light-colored metal pan
Glass or dark pans can over-brown the edges. If using glass, lower the oven by 25°F.
Cool completely before cutting
This ensures clean, neat squares. If you cut too soon, they'll crumble.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in Extras
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and slightly glossy.
5. Spread Batter
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. It's okay if the top isn't perfectly smooth.
6. Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will look set.
7. Cool and Cut
Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Then lift out using the parchment and cut into squares.
Delicious Variations
Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and swirl with a knife before baking.
Mint Chocolate
Use mint chocolate chips or add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
Salted Caramel
Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt after baking.
How to Store Best Things For Bake Sale
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze the baked and cooled treats in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly more crumbly, but they'll still be delicious.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will change. Use a high-quality margarine with at least 60% fat, and avoid spreads with water.
Q: How do I know when they're done?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges will look set.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even toffee bits. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 2 cups.
I hope these treats make your bake sale a huge success! If you try them, let me know in the comments below. Happy growing!
Best Things For Bake Sale
Best Things For Bake Sale: easy, portable, and delicious treats that sell out fast. Perfect for school and community fundraisers.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prepare — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- 2Mix Wet Ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.
- 3Add Dry Ingredients — Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 4Fold in Extras — Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and slightly glossy.
- 5Spread Batter — Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. It's okay if the top isn't perfectly smooth.
- 6Bake — Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will look set.
- 7Cool and Cut — Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Then lift out using the parchment and cut into squares.
